Since reopening to tourists in the early 1990s, Cambodia has captivated visitors from around the globe with its rich cultural heritage, warm and welcoming people, and extraordinary natural wonders. Phnom Penh, the nation’s vibrant capital, pulses with energy, offering world-class dining, lively markets, and a spirited nightlife. Yet the country’s true treasures lie beyond the city: the sleepy, French-influenced town of Kampot enchants with its riverside promenade, colonial villas, and charming cafés; the lush, jungle-clad Cardamom Mountains reveal spectacular waterfalls and pristine wilderness; and, of course, the majestic Angkor Wat complex stands as the world’s largest and most breathtaking religious monument. Cambodia seamlessly caters to every traveller, whether seeking exhilarating jungle adventures, serene golden-sand beaches, luxurious resorts, or a journey through its tantalising local cuisine. With its blend of history, nature, and culture, Cambodia remains a destination of endless discovery and wonder.
Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, captivates with its rich history, welcoming locals, and thriving culinary scene. The city’s heritage is immediately evident: the National Museum of Cambodia showcases over a millennium of Khmer art and design, while the monumental Royal Palace—home to King Sihamoni—features the iconic Throne Hall and the dazzling Silver Pagoda, whose floor gleams with five tons of silver. Along the Tonle Sap riverfront, visitors can enjoy refined dining and French-inspired wines, a legacy of the city’s colonial past, while the evenings come alive with lively nightclubs, karaoke performances, and stage shows. Combining culture, history, and cosmopolitan energy, Phnom Penh offers a dynamic and immersive Cambodian experience.
Nestled in Cambodia’s expansive Mondulkiri Province, Sen Monorom is the region’s largest town and provincial capital, offering a gateway to the area’s lush, rolling landscapes. The town itself is home to the indigenous Pnong community and is graced by two serene lakes at its heart, adding to its tranquil charm. Beyond Sen Monorom, thick jungle, spectacular waterfalls, and traditional hill tribe villages await exploration. Visitors can savour authentic Cambodian cuisine at local restaurants, unwind at lively bars, or stay in comfortable hotels that blend convenience with character. Popular activities include trekking through verdant hills, eco-tours, motorbike adventures, and immersive cultural experiences with the Bunong people, making Sen Monorom a compelling base for both nature lovers and cultural explorers.
Koh Trong, a serene island in the Mekong River, lies across from Kratie in Kratie Province. Embraced by sandy beaches for most of the year and invigorated by river breezes, the car-free island is navigated by carts. With smiling locals, weathered fishermen, and fertile land turned orchard, Koh Trong, or "the island where the king lost his ring," is affectionately known as the royal island. Revel in the unhurried lifestyle, wander on foot or bike, swim in the Mekong (December to May), and engage with nearby villages, offering a glimpse into fieldwork. Koh Trong is a serene paradise waiting to be explored.
Known locally as Dey Krahorm, or “Red Earth,” Banlung is the dusty yet charming capital of Cambodia’s Ratanakiri Province and a key gateway to the surrounding highlands. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring the region’s natural wonders, including the emerald-hued volcanic crater lake of Boeng Yeak Lom, fringed by lush jungle. Visitors can wander the traditional market for local handicrafts, sample authentic Cambodian cuisine, cycle through scenic streets and surrounding countryside, or visit the nearby Cha Ong Waterfall. Cultural highlights include Wat Rahtanharahm at the foot of Eisey Patamak Mountain, while adventurous travellers can venture 50 kilometres out to Virachey National Park to explore treetop ecolodges, jungle trails, and diverse wildlife. Banlung combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure in one accessible northern Cambodian hub.
Located where the northern plains of Cambodia meet the Dangrek Mountains in the north and the Mekong River to the west, the rugged and thickly-forested Preah Vihear Province is renowned for its impressive Angkorian temple ruins. Chief among these are the 10th-century Koh Ker Temple complex, the UNESCO accredited mountaintop Prasat Preah Vihear temple, and the Preah Khan Kompong Svay site, with its stunning 1000-year-old artworks. Adventurous visitors will have plenty to keep them busy with a variety of outdoor activities on offer. These include unforgettable motorcycle tours into lush jungles to discover remote temples and hiking or mountaineering trips through a remarkable variety of natural habitats – forest, jungle, grasslands and wetlands – where unique and endangered wildlife and birdlife are protected, including Cambodia’s national bird, the Giant Ibis.
Best known as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap is a charming town blending French colonial and Chinese architectural influences with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Its crown jewel, the Angkor complex, spans an area larger than Paris and is a labyrinth of intricately carved temples adorned with dancing apsaras, lotus motifs, and five-headed naga (serpent deities). Abandoned for centuries and rediscovered in 1860 by French explorer Henri Mahout, it has since become Cambodia’s cultural and historical highlight. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap offers a vibrant arts and crafts scene, immersive cultural villages that showcase traditional rural life, and a bird sanctuary on the town’s outskirts, providing visitors with a rich mix of heritage, nature, and local culture.
Located in northwestern Cambodia along the banks of the Sangkae River, Battambang is a captivating city framed by emerald rice paddies, pepper plantations, and lush rainforests crisscrossed with trekking trails leading to traditional villages and hilltop shrines. With origins dating back to the 11th century and a modern role as a key rice-producing region, the city has long been central to Cambodian history and economy. Yet despite its commercial significance, Battambang retains a slow-paced charm, enriched by its riverside setting, thriving café culture, arts scene, and gracefully weathered colonial architecture. A highlight for visitors is the scenic river cruise between Battambang and Siem Reap, considered one of the most beautiful waterways journeys in the country, offering a unique perspective on rural life and the surrounding landscapes.
